Nearly all courses feature Critical Studies (Higher Education), or Contextual Studies (Further Education) modules in which students have the opportunity to explore, in some depth, the history, theory and contexts to art, design and media. Through seminars, lectures and tutorials, students investigate both their own discipline, but also broader cultural and contextual frameworks, which are influential to the fields of art, design and media. For example, questions around taste, value, class, race, gender, spectatorship, technology, materials and creativity, form part of that investigation.
Critical and Contextual Studies modules introduce students to various methodologies for analysing works of art, design and media, alongside considering relationships between theory and practice. Students enhance their theoretical knowledge and understanding, together with their own critical awareness and the ability to make informed judgments.
As well as cultivating critical and analytical skills, students develop their research skills, and written and verbal communications skills through a range of academic assignments. Seminars encourage debate and discussion, and all-throughout, Critical and Contextual Studies programmes encourage students to develop an inquisitive, questioning approach; an approach whereby the scrutiny of art, design, media and culture becomes a valuable academic enterprise in the path to becoming a successful practitioner.
